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Black Caps ready to roll with shuffled pack

New Zealand will switch their focus to limited-overs cricket boasting a new-look squad for Twenty20 the series against Pakistan.

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Written ByMatthew Sherry

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Skipper Brendon McCullum, having led the Black Caps to a
commendable 1-1 draw in the United Arab Emirates, will miss the
clashes in the shorter formats.

He will head home for a rest alongside seamers Tim Southee and
Trent Boult.

There are some new faces in the fold, too, with batting
all-rounder Anton Devcich and fast bowler Adam Milne in the 16-man
party gearing up for two Twenty20s and five one-day
internationals.

It is sprint-format rubber that takes place immediately, though,
with the first of two games played in back-to-back days taking
place on Thursday in Dubai.

Head coach Mike Hesson has urged his batsman to continue the
form that earned a share of the spoils in the longest format.

"Top-order runs [are key]," he said. "I think if you're able to
set the game up with top-order runs over here, then you allow your
power to come later on and put the cream on.

"They are a side that keeps attacking throughout the innings so
if our top-order players are able to set that platform then that
gives us a chance to set good scores.

"And I think also with the ball, that ability to keep taking
wickets [is key]."

Kane Williamson will take the captaincy reins, having previously
led his side in two T20s and three ODIs.

Pakistan's squad features of good blend of youth and experience,
with Wahab Riaz and short-form master Umar Gul returning from
injuries to significantly boost their bowling attack.

The T20 side also features Sarfraz Ahmed on the back of some
exceptional five-day form, while exciting batsman Haris Sohail is
also included.

Chief selector and manager Moin Khan is expecting a stellar
showing from the designated hosts.

"I expect Pakistan to perform to its potential in both the T20Is
and ODIs," Moin said. "We have tried to induct all our fit players
in contention for a slot and this is also pretty much the last
opportunity for the players to perform and cement their places in
the World Cup squad.

"Quite a few players have been included either after returning
from injury or on the basis of current form."